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Funky, less-than-fresh odors emanating from the shoe rack may make you want to avoid the area at all costs. Instead of pretending the problem does not exist, zap that Zone of Mysterious Smells back into non-existence using natural deodorizers such as white vinegar.

Go Straight to the Source

If the shoe rack itself smells, some of the shoes or boots stored on or in it probably also have odor issues. Remove each item from the shoe rack and spritz the entire rack with equal parts water and white vinegar, wiping away the liquid after a minute or two with a soft cloth. Inspect the shoes and boots to determine which pair lead to the unpleasant odor in the shoe rack. Sprinkle baking soda inside the offending shoes or boots; if the odor is extreme, place a wad of newspaper in the shoes after the baking soda; then remove the paper the next day. Keep the entire shoe-rack area -- and the shoes stored there -- dry, since moisture and humid conditions contribute to the odor. If one particular pair of shoes smells on a regular basis, sprinkle the inside with baking soda after wearing them, or fill a pair of old socks with baking soda or coffee beans, stitching them closed, for a slide-in, reusable deodorizer.

About the Author

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies.